How to Compare Seven-Passenger Cars

If seating for seven tops your list of must-have features in a new vehicle, you'll find several options to consider, including both foreign and domestic brands. Examining the features of each can help you compare these vehicles.

Instructions

1

Choose a style. Buyers of seven-passenger vehicles have three main options to consider. There are crossover SUVs, like the 2011 Acura MDX, as well as traditional SUVs, like the 2011 Toyota 4Runner. Minivans offering seating for seven include the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan.

2

Check safety ratings. The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer safety ratings that describe how well vehicles are expected to protect occupants in a crash. Vehicles receiving a "top pick" designation from the IIHS must receive its highest score of "good" on all institute tests and have electronic stability control. Seven-passenger rides earning this designation include the 2011 Ford Flex and Toyota Highlander.

3

Examine fuel economy. The government's fuel economy website offers projected fuel mileage ratings for new cars and vehicles, as well as models dating back to 1984. Use its "Find a car" feature to locate the estimates for specific models you're considering. The 2011 Volvo XC90 with all-wheel drive gets 16 mpg in the city when outfitted with a six-cylinder engine; the eight-cylinder model gets 14 mpg in town. The 2011 Mazda CX-9 with front-wheel drive offers 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

4

Determine dimensions. Compare the head, hip, leg and shoulder room offered by different models. You can also examine cargo capacity to see how seven-passenger vehicles stack up. For example, the 2011 Acura MDX has 28.7 inches of third-row legroom, while the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE has 37.6 inches. The 2011 Toyota 4Runner offers 9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third-row seat, while the 2011 Ford Flex boasts 20 cubic feet when the rear seat well is included.

5

Read reviews. Find out what professional testers have to say about seven-passenger vehicles. Visit the websites of Edmunds, Car and Driver and Motor Trend to see their comments. Subscribe to the Consumer Reports website or magazine, and you'll gain access to its independent analysis of various models.

6

Price them. The cost of seven-passenger vehicles can vary widely, in part because this group includes traditional and luxury brands. The engine size and drivetrain on the model you select can also affect its price. The manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the 2011 Toyota Highlander start at $27,390, while the 2011 Volvo XC90 starts at $38,200.